Best of the 2007 Hardware Show: Slime, a wearable scratchpad and more

Sunday

May 27, 2007 at 3:15 AM

By JAMES and MORRIS CAREYFor AP Weekly Features

ORLANDO, Fla. — The annual National Hardware Show is one of the world's bigger conventions, drawing exhibitors and attendees from seemingly every corner of the planet. The latest, held here earlier this month, showcased a lot of great products.

This year there were over 3,500 exhibitors — that's a lot. Plus, there were more than 100,000 attendees looking for the latest and greatest in home and garden products.

When it comes to nuts, bolts and tools we are unquestionably a couple of very excitable guys, and we found a lot here to love.

SLIME

If you own a wheelbarrow, a car, an ATV or a motorcycle and you haven't heard of Slime, take a moment to read what we have just discovered.

Slime is just that: a slimy green liquid which, when introduced into a tire, helps to prevent future flats. We watched it tested: A nail driven through a board was used to puncture a tire. We could hear the air escaping for a moment after the nail had been removed from the tire. Then we saw a tiny drip of Slime escape through the puncture — and suddenly the air stopped escaping. It was amazing! What's more, the fellow who was demonstrating the product showed us where he had made more than 75 punctures in that same tire. More information at www.slime.com.

SCRATCH PATCH

Did you know that a "carpenters' pencil" actually exists? Carpenters' pencils are normal pencil length, but instead of being round they are rectangular (about 1/4 inch thick and 1/2 inch wide). You've probably seen them at the hardware store.

Although most carpenters carry them, they don't usually carry a notepad. As cumbersome and inconvenient as it sounds, most tradesmen prefer to write their notes on a chunk of wood or a scrap of cardboard.

We suppose that's the main reason someone took the time to invent the Scratch Patch, a plastic-coated note sheet that sticks to your clothing. The company recommends placing it on the front of the thigh. A wax pen is used to make notes and record measurements. Old information is easy to erase with a simple swipe of a cloth; we used our fingers and that worked well, too.

More information at: www.thescratchpatch.com.

ALLAS

This one is outrageous — it's a designer tool box.

The Allas NT is a rolling tool box that breaks all the rules. This is the most stylish-looking tool box that we have ever seen. Three doors open up the inside, which has adjustable compartments that can be shaped to fit whatever size tools and parts you need to transport. Best of all, the lower portion of the carrier is designed to hold a really big tool — like a circular saw. For a glance at the Allas NT go to: www.allasotoolsystems.com.

TRIMERGY

No, Trimergy isn't the name of a new exercise — it's a very cool new garden product.

Funny name or not, the lady who invented it should get an award for her efforts. The Trimergy is basically a steel bipod with wheels. It takes most of the work out of using large garden power tools like a string trimmer or a mini-tiller by making them easier to move around.

The Trimergy can be adjusted to multiple heights and angles, to cradle and support various cumbersome gas- or electric-powered garden equipment. The equipment can easily be placed so that it is operationally functional yet easier to manipulate. And, best of all, you don't have to be Mr. Muscle to get the job done. More information on the uplifting experience at www.summerhawkusa.com.

SOIL MOIST

Our partner and garden expert Rebecca Cole loved this product so much she talked about it on the Today show. Rebecca is "green" from head to toe and was really excited when she heard that Soil Moist is designed to cut plant watering in half.

Soil Moist is a crystalline product that absorbs 200 times its weight in water and then slowly releases the water back into the soil. Suck in, drain out: simple, yet effective!

All you need to do is mix the crystals into your soil. The water that is lost with conventional watering is immediately absorbed and is then slowly released back into the soil over a period of several days. Ever wonder how you could keep your house plants watered while you were away on vacation? Yep, they have crystals for that too. More information at www.soilmoist.com/soilhome.html.

For home improvement tips and information, visit www.onthehouse.com or call the hot line at 1-800-737-2474 (ext. 59).

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